Depending on how you will use your metal band saw, you can either cut with a vertical band saw or a horizontal band saw. For cutting straight lines you should problably use the vertical band saw. This is a stand alone saw that is a larger piece of equipment and has four legs typically with rubber feet to keep it from moving while you are cutting material. Do not get your hands close to the blade. Use a long metal device, at least 6 to 12 inches long to help you feed the material through when it gets close to the blade. The material being cut with the saw must be securely fastened to a cutting table so a smooth cut can be achieved. The saw blade is pushed through the metal to make the cut. Most horizontal saws turn off automatically when they finish the cut. They are used for straight cuts, cutting rolls and curves.
The wheels that hold the blade on the saw are the drive wheel, which is attached to the power source and the idler wheel which is loosened or tightened depending on how tight the blade needs to be. The saw can be powered hydraulically or it can be powered with an electric motor. A blade guide is used to keep the blade securely in place and to guard the blade. The wheel sizes can be larger or smaller depending on what is being cut. Always remove the blade from the saw when you have finished cutting. The reason it is important to do this is that there is tension on the blade when it is on the saw. The cutting process will make the blade very hot. The heat has caused it to expand a little bit. The cooling process will cause it to shrink. If there is tension on the blade during cooling, it can crack or even break the blade. Be sure to wear gloves when removing it.
Follow safety precautions anytime you use a metal band saw. You are going to have a large amount of sparks flying during the cutting process. Be sure that you are not cutting near flammable liquids that may explode or near other material that may catch on fire from the sparks. Wear protective eye goggles always. Wear tight fitting clothes that will not get caught in the blade of the saw. Be sure that you have adequate ventilation. Even if it is cold outside, you need to have at least a window open.
If you are the type who wants to impress your friends by using your band saw for strange things like cutting your hair or finger nails be prepared to see a lot of your own blood flowing out of your body. There have been stories of people showing off and causing extreme injury to themselves and others. This saw is not toys so use it correctly.
article by John Humphries
